Why do people think IQ tests measure intelligence?

Intelligence quotient. Tests a person's logic processing skills. Which is inefficient because there is more to inteligence that logic

I was under the impression that an IQ test was meant to measure your potential, not necessarily your intelligence. I really don't think a test can determain either of those things. I don't think intelligence can be measured, but it can be percieved, since it is not really a force, so much as an idea. Or an opinion.

your very smart to think that way. Most people think intelligence is how much useless information you can retain or how good your grades are in school. It's a stupid way of thinking, i think imagination is a greater test of intelligence .

It's meant to test your aptitude but I think they're bad. I agree that knowledge can't be measured. If knowledge is an abstract thing (as in we can't touch it, see it and etc) then surely it can't be measured. Like Albert Einstein said "Everybody is a genius. But if you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree, it will live its whole life believing that it is stupid." My favourite quote

You are SOOOOOOOO right! The inventor of what we today called "IQ Tests",French national Alfred Binet, never even INTENDED for these tests to "measure IQ"; they were an EDUCATIONAL PLACEMENT exam, of sorts. The US later adopted these tests to be USED (inappropriately) for "measuring" something as nebulous as "intelligence", wh/ even the best psychologists today, claim simply measure SOME ASPECTS of cognition, and certainly NOWHERE NEAR the totality of what cn be known as "Intelligence". And it's shame that certain people seem, none the less, to CLING to these redundant tests to attempt to validate their belief that "certain" people are inferior or superior to others; total b------t. And even for folks are ARE good at these things, being smart does NOt guarantee you will be a nice person, a helpful person or a happy person,... three things which have bee found to eb way more important than what psychometric testing measures.

<BQ: Do you think Intelligence can ever be measured?> Not directly. Indirectly, possibly, if someone is given a challenge and has to solve it. But a test is just that: a test, and some people who are quite intelligent do horribly on tests.

Ever seen a PhD who couldn't even open a door? It's a hoot.

Hmmm. IQ means, intelligence quotient. That's kind of a give a way. Also, the questions test your intelligence which therefore calculate how intelligent you actually are.

They aren't informed about how the test really work. It would be difficult to measure true intelligence because it's the ability to learn. IQ tests only measure what you have learned already. Someone with poor access to education or learning disabilities could have high intelligence but score poorly on a IQ test.